Have you made your holiday shopping plans yet?

I am a classic Black Friday Shopper. The day after Thanksgiving became one of my favorite shopping days of the year way back when I was in college. I loved going to the mall and watching the crowds of people fight over the hot new toy that season, or lined up outside an electronics store waiting for the free DVD player. It was a way to get away from the family spectacle at my parent’s house and be anonymous in a crowd of people. (granted, there were just as many heated moments at the mall but I didn’t have to be sucked into them)

When I first opened a retail store in Old Town, I knew that we would be open at 6 am for a big sale. I love Black Friday too much to not have my own Black Friday sale. When my staff and I arrived at the shop at 5:30 am to start opening up, there were a line of knitters down the block already. I can’t tell you how exciting it was to be on the other side of the Black Friday shopping frenzy for once!

This year, we are joined by an amazing number of shops in Old Town! I am so excited to see small independently owned businesses compete with the big deals at the mall. Some stores are giving as high as 30-40% off !! Many are open at 6 am and Nickell’s and Scheffler will even be opening hours early to provide shoppers with coffee and breakfast at their location on King Street and S. Henry (route 1). Misha’s opens up at 6 am, for those who don’t plan to be in lines already at 5:30.

The magic of Black Friday in Old Town is how different I imagine this experience will be. There weren’t any fights over deals or hot items at our shop. Knitters & crocheters swapped yarns with each other while in line and helped each other reach items on the shelves. Shoppers in Old Town won’t find disgruntled employees with scowls on their faces. You won’t have a hard time finding someone to help you or answer a question. But best of all, you won’t find your average gifts. If you want something unique and extraordinary, skip the mall this year. Join us in Old Town. If Black Friday isn’t your thing because big crowds and angry mobs aren’t for you, try Old Town this year. Your local shops are waiting for you, and we promise a Black Friday like none you have ever had.